30 Apr 2025
If you’re a Filipino student studying in Portugal, you’re part of a growing wave of international scholars drawn to this beautiful country’s vibrant culture, affordable education, and welcoming vibe. Balancing academics with life in a new country can be exciting but also financially challenging. That’s where part-time jobs come in—they’re not just a way to earn extra cash but also a ticket to financial independence and a deeper connection to Portuguese life.
Part-time jobs are more than just a paycheck for Filipino students in Portugal—they’re a lifeline for managing expenses, building skills, and embracing the local culture. With Portugal’s moderate cost of living, a side hustle can make a big difference, letting you enjoy your student life without constant money worries. Plus, these jobs offer a chance to grow personally and professionally, preparing you for future opportunities while making your time in Portugal unforgettable.
Living in Portugal as a student means juggling costs like rent, groceries, transportation, and maybe a few pastéis de nata for those study breaks. A part-time job can cover these expenses, giving you the freedom to focus on your studies without stressing about bills. For many Filipino students, earning an income also means being able to support loved ones back home. With ACE Money Transfer, rated 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot with over 129,000 reviews, you can easily send money to Philippines from Portugal, ensuring your family is cared for with secure, fast transfers.
Working part-time in Portugal does more than pad your wallet—it sharpens your skills and helps you feel at home. Interacting with locals in a workplace can boost your Portuguese language skills, even if you’re just starting with basic phrases. Many jobs also require English, which you likely already excel at, giving you a competitive edge. Beyond language, you’ll learn adaptability, time management, and teamwork, all of which look great on your CV.
Portugal’s job market is diverse and welcoming to international students, especially in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra, where universities thrive. As a Filipino student, you can find part-time roles that fit your schedule and skills, whether you prefer face-to-face work or the flexibility of online gigs. Here’s a rundown of the best options to explore, each offering unique benefits for balancing studies and income.
Jobs like barista, waiter, or hotel receptionist are perfect for students, offering flexible shifts that align with class schedules. Explore Indeed Portugal to find the latest hospitality job openings in cities like Lisbon and Porto. These roles often come with tips, which can boost your earnings, and the fast-paced environment helps you practice Portuguese while meeting people from around the world. For example, working at a café in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto could have you serving locals and tourists alike, giving you a front-row seat to Portugal’s lively social scene.
Retail and customer service jobs are another great fit for Filipino students, especially in tourist-heavy areas where multilingual staff are in demand. You might work as a cashier in a supermarket, a sales assistant in a boutique, or even in a call center catering to English-speaking clients. Portugal’s retail sector values friendly, adaptable workers, and your fluency in English, which is ranked highly among Filipinos globally, gives you an advantage. These jobs teach you customer interaction skills and let you experience Portugal’s warm, community-oriented culture firsthand.
If you prefer working from your dorm or a cozy café, online and freelance jobs are a fantastic option. Filipino students can tap into global demand for virtual assistants, online tutors, or content creators, thanks to the Philippines’ strong reputation for remote work. Platforms like Upwork or VirtualStaff.ph offer roles like teaching English to international students, managing social media, or writing blog posts. These gigs let you set your hours, making it easier to balance assignments and exams while earning a competitive income, often $300–$700 a month for virtual assistants.
Universities in Portugal, such as the University of Lisbon or the University of Porto, often offer on-campus jobs tailored for students. Roles like library assistant, research aide, or administrative support are convenient, as they’re located where you already spend most of your time. These jobs typically have flexible hours and understand the demands of academic life, making them ideal for staying on top of your studies. Plus, working on campus can help you network with professors and peers, strengthening your academic and professional connections.
Part-time jobs are a golden opportunity for Filipino students in Portugal to blend financial stability with cultural immersion. From covering your living costs to sending money home through trusted services like ACE Money Transfer, these jobs empower you to live independently while supporting your family. They also open doors to new skills, from speaking Portuguese to navigating diverse workplaces, and let you experience Portugal’s rich traditions up close. So, dive into the job market, explore your options, and let your student journey in Portugal be both rewarding and unforgettable! Download the ACE app and manage your finances today!
Yes, student visa holders can work full-time during holidays (e.g., summer or winter breaks), but must return to the 20-hour/week limit during semesters.
Not always. English-speaking roles in tourism, call centers, or online gigs are common, but basic Portuguese can open more opportunities.
Yes, cities like Coimbra or Faro offer jobs in retail, cafes, or tutoring, though options are fewer than in Lisbon or Porto.
Stick to reputable platforms, verify employer details, and never pay upfront fees for job offers. Check reviews or ask university advisors.
Yes, freelance or remote work for global clients is allowed, as long as you declare income and comply with visa work-hour limits.
